Experience with Mavi Train?

Posted by lcalvert10 on 12/28/25 06:42 AM

Need to travel from Izmir to Cappadocia in October. Debating whether to take the overnight "Blue Train" to Konya, spend a day in Konya, and bus to Cappadocia, or spend another day in the Selcuk or Kusadasi area (5 days instead of 4) and then fly from Izmir to NAV.
I know it would be quicker to hop on a plane, though not sure about the pleasantness of AJet or Pegasus, but I like the idea of the train (sleeper car) and bus adventure, at least in my imagination, as well as spending a day in Konya. We're 60-something, first trip to Turkiye.

Thoughts? Anyone ridden that train?

Posted by CL

Salem, Oregon, USA

12/28/25 03:24 PM

3599 posts

I haven't taken the train, but how long is your trip over all? The train/bus is going to eat up a good chunk of time and though some people can sleep well on a train, I don't especially when it stops frequently. I personally would add the day to Cappadocia instead, as if you want to do a balloon ride it's best to have multiple days to try for a flight. I went to Konya on a RS tour and will confess it wasn't my favorite stop, but to be fair we were only there one night. If there are things you want to see in Konya and can find a place to stash your luggage on the layover then by all means do it.

BTW there's also SunExpress airlines that has a direct flight from Izmir to Nevishir, not offered every day of the week though. Not fancy but it will get you there.

Posted by lcalvert10 OP

12/28/25 06:51 PM

6 posts

Arriving by ferry in Bodrum on the 21st or possibly 22nd. Bus to Kusadasi, Kusadasi and Selcuk 22nd-25th, travel day 26th, Cappadocia 27th-29th, Fly to Istanbul for the 30th-Nov 2nd.

Posted by CL

Salem, Oregon, USA

12/29/25 03:10 PM

3599 posts

Arriving by ferry in Bodrum on the 21st or possibly 22nd. Bus to
Kusadasi, Kusadasi and Selcuk 22nd-25th, travel day 26th, Cappadocia
27th-29th, Fly to Istanbul for the 30th-Nov 2nd.

I would forgo the long train/bus ride to Konya and give that extra day to Istanbul, there is so much to do/see there and it looks like you'll only have 1.5 days there if the 2nd is your departure day. Also the bus ride from Bodrum to Kusadasi is rather long (a quick search shows 7+ hours, perhaps you found a more efficient bus?) so I'd suggest looking into a private transfer.

Also check the cruise ship schedule for Kusadasi for the days you're going to be there so you can plan Ephesus time accordingly. I was there in early October on a Wednesday and the crowds were stunning (even with out "big" ships in port).